Aim: Terrified of sex and intimacy, Ratboy begins his journey into psycho-sexual therapy — A short film by Rae Harm
Navigating sex is hard, especially if you’re a trans-man with an overwhelming fear of intimacy. Ratboy however, is determined to overcome this.
With a gaggle of gay friends supporting his journey, Ratboy begins his psycho-sexual therapy.
Things get confusing and frustrating fast as a gay nurse, a hot receptionist and the inability to w**k linger on his mind.
Can Ratboy take the advice of his therapist and bring his guard down to navigate his own pleasure?
The real test comes to life before his eyes on a big gay night out with his friends. Will he get in his own way, or will he dance with the hot receptionist who he bumps into in the club?
Private and Confidential is a stylized queer comedy that will break the fourth wall, giving audiences authentic and unfiltered insight into Ratboy’s mind. Taking inspiration from iconic British comedies but making them queer, this film will be equal parts funny and endearing.
It is time that trans people start telling our own stories. Private and Confidential is not only relatable but also extremely validating. It represents an awkward part of life that many queer people can relate to, without it being a ‘coming-out’ story (which we have heard many times before).
This film will take ownership and dive deep into a queer experience that’s not often talked about. Whilst ending in hope and optimism.
We cannot make this film without you! Your contributions will go towards making sure our cast and crew are fairly paid for their work, whilst also increasing the overall production value of the project.
Director: Will Byam Shaw (He/Him)
William Byam Shaw is a director and script reader. He trained as a director at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and has read for the Papatango Prize and the Verity Bargate Award. As director credits include: Love Is… (Camden People’s Theatre, NSDF); Here is Good (Bush Theatre); and Shepherd’s Warning (Slainte Theatre).
Producer: Anna-May Wood (She/Her)
Anna-May is a recent Screen Acting and Filmmakkng graduate from MetFilm School. She has worked on numerous Short Film sets within the roles of a Director, Producer and Writer. She is a passionate storyteller, keen to make work that speaks to suppressed minority groups, giving them the platform to be seen.
Writer: Rae Harm (He/Him)
Rae Harm is a trans actor, filmmaker and writer. His work focuses on queer experiences and he is passionate about bringing this story to life. As an actor, Rae has performed with Pushback Theatre, Stratford East, Mountview and many others. As a filmmaker, he trained at the Bournemouth Film School.
Cinematographer: Rufai Ajala (Roo) (They/Them)
A BAFTA award winning graduate of the illustrious National and Television Film School and with over 15 years experience working in the film industry, Roo works as a Cinematographer & Certified Intimacy Coordinator. Selected as a Screen Daily Star of Tomorrow and featured in British Cinematographer Magazine, Roo’s work is recognised and celebrated across the industry. Roo’s graduate film; May It Go Beautifully For You, by Rico (2024) won the prestigious Panalux (Panavision) award for ‘Best Cinematography’ from their graduating class at NFTS.
As a queer, non-binary creative Roo brings not only their creative talent and technical expertise, but their dedication to holding stories with nuance and care.
We are raising money to champion queer filmmaking talent! It is crucial to us as a team to pay everyone so they can work on this project to the best of their ability. Your funds will help us provide a number of talented people with the ability to flourish and creatively thrive.
It is vital to us as a team that we maximize outreach with this film. We aim to partner with a number of charities to offer filmmaking workshops to LGBT people. Many trans people and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are unaware of psycho-sexual therapy and through this film we aim to start conversations about navigating intimacy as part of the queer community.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 1st August 2025 at 3:18pm